NAVY: One of the only bright spots last year for Navy was its running game, which averaged 312 YPG (4th in nation). They should be strong in that category again, as they return RB Gee Gee Greene (501 rush yds, 7 total TD). Trey Miller (12-for-29, 205 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT) expects to take over the QB position from departed Kriss Proctor. The offensive line is a big question mark though. On defense, the Midshipmen struggled last year (28.9 PPG, 414 YPG), but they get back almost all of their secondary as well as linebackers, whose extra year of experience should make Navy above average on the defensive side of the ball. Consistent play from their front four will also make life easier on head coach Ken Niumatalolo, who watched his team lose five games by seven points or less.

AIR FORCE: Air Force is a team that will be in rebuilding mode with so many of its starters departed on both sides of the ball. Fifth-year QB Connor Dietz takes over for Tim Jefferson and although he can run (678 rush yds, 5.3 YPC in career), Dietz has attempted just 22 passes in the past two seasons. There is depth at the running back position, as 11 different Falcons rushed for more than 100 yards last season for the third-best rushing offense in FBS (315 rush YPG). Defensively, this unit allowed 34+ points six times last year and doesn't figure to improve with so much inexperience. The strength of the defense lies among the linebackers with Alex Means (77 tackles, six sacks) the leader in the middle of the field. Air Force is going to have to rely heavily on young defensive players who saw the field last year, but don't yet know what it's like to play an entire grueling season.